Post Summer Exfoliation

By Supreet Sohi, LME

Summer is officially over and fall has started to show its true colors. It's time to exfoliate all the damage summer has done to the skin. Exfoliating with help with unclogging pores, uneven skin tone, reducing aging signs. There are different types of exfoliation you can get done to slough off the damaged skin cells.

Chemical and mechanical are the two types of exfoliation. Even though there are only two types, it still can be confusing trying to figure out which one is good for your skin. Most people think exfoliation is just for oily skin, however dry skin needs to be exfoliated as well. Visit an esthetician that can assess your skin and determine which type would benefit your skin the most.

Chemical Exfoliation

Chemical exfoliation removes dead skin cells by using various acids and enzymes to work within the skin. A chemical is applied to the top layer of the skin than removed. The skin absorbs the chemical allowing it to penetrate deep within the skin, which allows the chemical to exfoliate the skin from the inside out.

Popular chemical peel agents are AHA (alpha hydroxyl acids) and BHA (beta hydroxyl acid). Depending on what needs to be accomplished, these acids have different intensity. BHA is indicated for oily, acne prone skin and AHA for sensitive, aging, dry, sun damaged skin.

Another chemical exfoliation is fruit enzymes. These work the same as the chemical acids, however they are derived from fruits. Fruit enzymes are usually less aggressive than AHA and BHA acids.

Mechanical Exfoliation

Mechanical exfoliation removes dead skin cells using abrasion to the top layer of the skin with granules or micro beads. This is the most popular exfoliation among newbie's because it doesn't have as much down time as chemical exfoliation. You may be using mechanical exfoliation without even knowing; scrubs, brushes, and abrasive gloves are all types of exfoliation.

Medical grade mechanical exfoliation includes microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, dermaplanning, and microneedling. Each of these can be performed at a range of strength.

Fall is a popular time to get these exfoliations done because people think the sun isn't as strong as the summer. True, but not completely. Regardless of the time you get these treatments done, you still need to wear sunscreen, avoid harsh heat and/or steam, and avoid any other kind of exfoliation with your skincare regimen at home. Depending on which type you get, and its intensity, post-care can vary.